Udokan Copper has implemented two Russian digital systems, "Sovetchik" (Advisor) and "Maestro," at the Udokan Mining and Metallurgical Combine, the company's press service reported. This is the first case in the Russian mining industry where a processing plant is managed in real-time with automatic adjustment of technological processes.
"Sovetchik" analyzes hundreds of parameters every 15–30 seconds at the stages of grinding, flotation, and concentrate thickening, suggests optimal actions, and automatically adjusts equipment operation. Manual operator interventions have been reduced by more than 70%, and product quality has become more stable. "Maestro" combines 15 "Sovetchik" circuits into a single control system and automatically applies the calculated parameters.
In 2025, the company also implemented a dispatching system and the "Svobodny Kovsh" (Free Bucket) mining optimizer, which reduces queues during loading. More than 200 CCTV cameras were installed at key facilities. In 2026, it is planned to equip all contractor equipment with digital systems, and then implement AI algorithms with machine learning to recommend routes for quarry dump trucks.
Udokan Copper is part of Alisher Usmanov's USM group and is developing Russia's largest undeveloped copper deposit. Udokan's resources, according to JORC classification, are 26.7 million tons of copper with a content of 1.05%. The deposit is located in the Zabaykalsky Krai, 30 km from the Novaya Chara station of the Baikal-Amur Mainline.
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